Moringa Oleifera is rightly referred to as the ‘miracle tree’ or the ‘tree of life’. Be it the fruits, oil, roots, leaves, seeds, bark, flowers, or pods, all the parts of this tree have medicinal value. It is regarded as the storehouse of nutrients. Besides, it is filled with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
From promoting heart health, regulating the blood sugar level, lowering cholesterol, and improving liver condition; to enhancing sleep, skin, and hair; the versatility of the tree is unparalleled.
Benefits of Moringa Oleifera
Here are the notable benefits of the Moringa Oleifera:
1. Powerhouse of Essential Minerals
Moringa Oleifera is a significant source of nutrients. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals, which include vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B1 (thiamin), iron, magnesium, protein, zinc, and phosphorus. The moringa oleifera leaves are also rich in amino acids.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar
High blood sugar is a prevailing health concern. It increases the risks of many heart diseases. Moringa leaves contain antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid that help in stabilising the blood sugar level. The chlorogenic acid aids in processing the sugar better. One can try adding moringa leaves to their meals as it is seen to lower the spike in blood sugar levels.
3. Reduces the Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels lead to the chance of developing heart disease. Moreover, almonds, oats, flaxseeds, and moringa leaves are considered a great remedy to get rid of high cholesterol. There are antioxidant compounds like tannins, saponins, and flavonoids that have a major role in minimising cholesterol levels.
4. Protects the Liver
One of the many moringa oleifera medicinal uses is that it can protect the liver from oxidation, toxicity, and damage. Moringa oleifera oil helps in restoring the liver enzymes to the standard level, enabling them to function properly. The liver has a significant role in fat metabolism, blood detoxification, and nutrient absorption. The presence of polyphenols in Moringa Oleifera safeguards the liver from oxidative damage. It helps in boosting the level of proteins in the liver.
Anyone suffering from tuberculosis will be largely benefited from Moringa Oleifera. It has the potential to lower the negative impact of the anti-tubercular drugs.
5. Safeguards Against Arsenic Toxicity
Arsenic contamination is alarming and long-term exposure to it can result in heart disease and cancer. It is seen that the Moringa Oleifera can fight the impact of arsenic toxicity. The leaf extract of Moringa Oleifera can lower the toxic effects of sodium.
| Did you know? The seed powder of the Moringa Oleifera has the ability to protect animals from arsenic-induced oxidative stress and can lower the arsenic concentration. |
6. Enhances bone health
Another notable Moringa Oleifera benefit is that Moringa Oleifera can be used to improve bone health conditions. The leaves of Moringa Oleifera are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bones. It also contains vitamin D, which aids the process of calcium absorption.
The presence of vitamin K in Moringa helps in the process of bone formation and stops the calcium from getting lost. The anti-inflammatory property of moringa helps in combating arthritis.
7. Beneficial for the Nervous System
Moringa leaves act as neuro-enhancers and can also be used to treat nervous disorders. It has a high percentage of vitamin C and vitamin E, which helps in fighting neural degeneration and enhances brain function. One can include moringa leaves in their diet if they suffer from migraines and recurring headaches.
Moringa Oleifera also stabilises the production of dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, which helps in balancing mood.
8. Promotes Healthy Skin and Hair
Moringa Oleifera proves ideal for maintaining healthy skin and hair. The presence of antioxidants minimises the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The moringa leaves prove ideal for acne-prone skin. You can apply a paste of moringa leaves on your hair to get rid of dandruff. It also adds bounce and shine to dull hair.
Moringa oil is rich in nutritional compounds like tocopherols, sterols, monounsaturated fats, and proteins. Hence, it is one of the key ingredients used in skin and hair care products. Also, the moringa oil, being rich in oleic acid, can be used as a moisturiser.
| #Expert Tip Make a moringa powder mask by mixing the rose water, lemon juice, and honey on the moringa powder. Apply to your face, leave it for around 10 minutes, and then wash it off. You can also make an oatmeal scrub with moringa powder. Make sure to do a patch test, before directly applying on the face. |
Conclusion
Moringa Oleifera has numerous health benefits. Besides the above-mentioned ones, it can also be used for improving lactation. It also has a crucial role to play in weight management. Besides, Moringa Oleifera is known to have anti-carcinogenic effects. In addition, as Moringa Oleifera has anti-inflammatory properties, it can reduce inflammation caused by injury.
So, hopefully, now you have a basic idea of how moringa leaves can play a crucial role in improving your health. But before you integrate it into your daily diet, make sure you consult an expert.
